Worried about several swollen lymph nodes

[isthiscp]

Hi there I hope someone may be able to help!! I am a 34 yr old woman and for the past year have been unwell. I had developed a large swollen lymph node on the right side of my neck almost a year ago which a CT confirmed. Since then I have had multiple infections, breathing difficulties etc. In the past week I have noticed smaller swollen lymphs either side on my collarbone and then discovered three large swollen lymphs behind my left knee. After the ct my GP said it was due to infection(no blood work done) and now she has said it is STILL infections and "not to worry". I dont understand how it could be a run of the mill infection as she has given me 13 antibiotics this year and I still have the first neck lymph!! I cant change doctor and she has refused bloods(I think she thinks I'm a hypochondriac!!). I have constant headaches(ie have not gone for even a day) for the last year and now am losing weight. Any of this sound familiar to anyone??? Any advice or input would be great

[isthiscp]

Hi there, thanks for taking so much time and effort to keep replying!! Its very helpful. Your right, I dont have the bloodwork results! I looked up the link you sent me and I do have some of the symptoms but I guess even I dont think it might be that. I have spent a bit of time myself on the net researching my symptoms and nothing really seems to fit. I seem to be a "bit from column a and a bit from column b". The only thing that I do know for certain is that my symptoms are not diminishing, on the contrary, have gotten worse in the last year

[Ken_PA]

I would guess you don't have those blood test papers?

I'm guessing this doc saw a negative result for ANA (Anti Nuclear Antibodies), and thinks that rules out Lupus. But if I'm not mistaken, there is a designation for when someone has lupus but the ANA test is negative...

I just looked it up for you and it's called ANA-negative Lupus. Maybe 3% fall into that category.

[isthiscp]

Hi there! Funy you should mention Lupus, there was a locum GP in after the time I had the bloodwork done in the A&E and she mentioned Lupus and said I should see my own GP about it. Brought it up with my own Dr nxt visit and she shot it down saying there was no way it was lupus!!! Something to do with the rest of the results on the rest of the bloodwork in the panel not corroberating the diagnosis of Lupus!!! But surely the other Dr saw something to make her think of it????

[Ken_PA]

Hi, how would you rate yourself in these symptoms for Lupus:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000435.htm

[isthiscp]

HAHA I think she may have indulged in her own prescription pad. She is well known for prescribing anti-depres meds very freely!! When I had that bloodwork done the only thing that did come back abnormal was the CRP. The A&E doc said it was high but didnt do anything. Is it very high?? As I said before, I cant even get repeat bloods done as she thinks I'm crackers!! I coped with the accident but this is a bit to much. I dont eat much sugar at all, I dont eat chocolate, sweets, cookies, cake etc(no particular reason other than I dont care for it, weird I know LOL). Pretty average weight and height too. I'm at a bit of a loss I guess

[Ken_PA]

Wow, that's such a horrible situation to be in with that doctor. Is she on drugs or something?

The qualities of nodes (hard or not, moveable or not, etc) are indications and not actual proof of anything.

Easy bruising might be caused when cancer gets into the bone marrow, where the platelets are produced. The cancer crowds out normal production. But, easy bruising can also be caused by other things - even by aging as you say, especially in women.

Wow, that CRP of 56 is really high. There is some serious inflammation or infection or something. Even 8-10 is high, as you likely know.

Aches and pains everywhere tends to argue against lymphoma,m I'd guess. But everything is just guesswork without a biopsy.

Do you consume lots of sugar, btw?



Havibng

[isthiscp]

thanks for the reply! To make a VERY long story short I was in an RTA 4 years ago. Fractured T8/T9, torn left rotator cuff, fractured right collarbone, disc damage neck and lumbar, fractured left jaw among others!! Was released with the above and not treated. The GP thought I was faking and was really horrid to me. Until she found out I wasn't, guess she doesn't care for humble pie. Since then I have had pnuemonia 3 times(2 yrs ago) and part of my left lung collapsed and never re-inflated(again I wasnt reated for this). So thats the HX!!!! The nodes on the collarbone are fixed and hard but "jobble" from side to side when pressed. No bleeding gums. Have noticed increased bruising (not a fantastic amount, put it down to getting older) No night sweats. Small decrease in appetite(could be stress from this?) Just feel rotten and dog-tired all of the time. The fatigue is the worst part, considering I was an insomniac. I can sleep for 12 hours now easily, only ever slept for 6 before. Although last bloodwork I had a year ago(Jan 10) showed CRP really elevated, usually ranges around 8 to 10. Mine was 56. Are aches and pains EVERYWHERE relevant? Cheers Ken

[Ken_PA]

I'd say yes, a virus could last that long. Some infections are known for being persistent, others might be persistent because the person has weakened immunity.

Considering lymphoma, if a person does have it then it's best to start treatment immediately. How is your appetite? About the large swollen lymph node on the right side of your neck, has it gotten larger or changed shape in recent weeks? Do you ever get fever? Night sweating?

About the nodes around your collarbone, how hard are they when you press them?

Do you bruise easily? Do your gums bleed after brushing your teeth?

Regardless of the cause of your symptoms, I think you're very correct that you can't just sit and wait. Does your GP know about all the new bumps? That's a big change, from a 'localized' lymphadenopathy to 'generalized', and that can't be ignored.

Please let me know your answers.

[isthiscp]

Thanks for the reply!! I'm in Ireland and we have a somewhat "backward" approach to medicine here! You cant get any bloodwork done unless your GP requests it(even privately) and changing dr's is near impossible as you must get a referal from your existing dr. I have to be honest I am at my wits end, I have been sick for almost a year and the Dr says not to worry. Would a virus last this long in the system? No dizziness on standing just fatigue getting worse.

[Ken_PA]

Hi, since the CT didn't detect any abnormality in the shape or structure of that node, then the odds are that you do not have cancer. However, I wouldn't think you should be worry free because your apparent mystery systemic infection seems to be getting worse, not better.

Keep in mind that a virus, fungus or parasite won't be affected by an antibiotic, which works on bacteria only.

It's strange that the doc won't do a CBC, because IIRC they're not that expensive. You could even buy/order one online for say $60 - if they have a site to draw your blood near you.

Even so, if your WBC and differential show elevated levels, that doesn't necessarily solve anything. The next step might be taking cultures and doing lab tests. Your headaches seem to be a key symptom. As a long shot, I'd try taking magnesium anyway. Do you get dizzy upon standing up?

But you're obviously not a hypochondriac :)  Merry Christmas and good luck.